The Golden State Warriors’ offseason has been trapped in what is essentially purgatory, as the team strives to suss out an arrangement with restricted free agent power forward Jonathan Kuminga.
The 22-year-old, selected just ahead of Franz Wagner in the 2021 NBA Draft lottery, can jump out of the gym with his appetizing athleticism. But he has yet to develop a reliable 3-point shot in his arsenal, and thrives the most with the ball in his hands.
On a team with ball-dominant future Hall of Famers Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, Kuminga has been a curious fit. Golden State head coach Steve Kerr seems to prefer more off-ball cutters who can spread the floor, rather than an athletic ball-hog who specializes with a drive-heavy shot diet.
So perhaps a sign-and-trade might make the most sense. Kuminga is clearly talented, even if his All-Star upside feels a bit fleeting, but he might be better served with a more consistent role on a team that has a more wide-open window.
The Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns have been reported as the two most interested clubs in acquiring Kuminga’s services through this route.
That said, the Warriors are holding back on flipping the 6-foot-8 pro to the Sacramento Kings for a critical reason, as Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints relays.
Latest Monday updates on @ClutchPoints involving Josh Giddey, Jonathan Kuminga, and the latest rumors surrounding both RFAs.
There isn’t a potential S&T involving both players, and much of the same remains for Kuminga and the Dubs. https://t.co/ohCk168DkG
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) August 11, 2025
Siegel notes that Kuminga has been hoping to land in a new situation via a sign-and-trade deal. Golden State has reportedly paused all possible sign-and-trade deals.
The Athletic’s Sam Amick reports that the Kings were offering a protected 2030 first-round draft pick and perennial sixth man guard Malik Monk.
A deal of Monk for Kuminga would put the Warriors over the first luxury tax apron, but Siegel notes that Buddy Hield or Moses Moody would need to be offloaded by Golden State to duck the tax. The Warriors are looking to hold on to both players.
Holding on to Kuminga at the start of the season wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world for Golden State, as he could continue to showcase his skills with a consistent role.
Kuminga notched averages of 15.3 points on a .454/.305/.668 slash line, 4.6 boards, 2.2 dimes and 0.8 rejections across 47 available bouts.
MORE NEWS: Warriors taking hard stance in latest Jonathan Kuminga negotiation news
